Locksets: Durable simplicity

Reviewed by:
The Old House Web

Kwikset's new Society Brass Collection, including handlesets, interior knobs and levers, brings an added touch of class to front doors. The collection is available in six finishes including a new satin nickel and lifetime finish polished brass.

Shown here are handlesets in the collection.

"We focused on the desire to make a dramatic first impression," said Vicki Silver, marketing director for Titan, the premium brand of Kwikset. "The Society Brass collection is elegant, yet simple."

Handlesets in the Society Brass collection are available in four solid brass designs, while interior knobs and levers are offered in three styles. Solid brass forgings and interior fasteners provide an uncluttered appearance. The collection is backed by Titan's lifetime mechanical warranty.

The handleset's modular designs are also available with the interconnected locking system, providing a quick and easy exit since both the deadbolt and interior lockset can be opened from the inside with a single twist of the interior knob or lever.

All entry products use mechanisms rated Grade 2, by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

From Kwikset, here are some frequently asked questions:

Q: Will the lock fit my door?
A: The 780 deadbolt has a crossbore of 2-1/8" or 1-1/2". Titan handlesets have a crossbore of 2-1/8"

Q: How do I adjust the 1" adjustable latch?
A: The adjustable latch is shipped set for 2 3/8" backset. To set for 2 3/4" backset, remove black housing. Remove Slide Spacer and safely throw away. Replace black housing. Set Black Housing to this location on the latch.

Q: How do I maintain the locks?
A: To prevent the latch from malfunctioning, lubricate with a spray-in graphite once a year. Make sure the auxiliary bolt of the latch does not enter the hole of the strike plate. To prevent cylinder from malfunctioning, lubricate with a spray-in graphite once a year. To help protect the lock's finish, periodically use a non-abrasive carnuba wax or a non-lemon furniture wax.

Q: What warranties cover my lock?
A: 10 year finish, lifetime finish option, lifetime mechanical warranty.

Specifications
Kwikset Titan Society Brass Collection Handlesets
Description	Handlesets in deadbolt and plain latch, Models 840-842, 855-858, 876-879, 881-884, 887, 889-891, 896.
Features	Solid brass Available in six finishes Interconnecting lock system available
Finishes	US3: Bright brass US5: Antique brass US15: Satin nickel US15A: Antique nickel US26: Polished chrome US26D: Satin chrome LO3: Lifetime polished brass
Door Prep	Deadbolt Crossbore: 2-1/8 or 1-1/2", Edge Bore: 1", Latch Face: 1" x 2-1/4". Plainlatch Crossbore: 2-1/8", Edge Bore: 1", Latch Face: 1" x 2-1/4"
Latchbolts	Deadbolt:Adjustable backset fits 2-3/8" and 2-3/4" std. Plainlatch: 2-3/8" and 2-3/4" square corner plainlatch std. Other options available.
Door Thicknesses	1-3/4" doors standard. For 2-1/4" thick doors, special order is required. Not designed for use on 1-3/8"
Cylinder	6-pin. Can be keyed to TITAN, Kwikset and many other brand name deadlocks and locksets
Faceplates	1" x 2-1/4" square corner standard. Other options available.
Strikes	Deadbolt: Maximum security 1-1/4" x 3-5/8" square corner standard. Maximum security 1-1/4" x 3-5/8" round corner optional. Plainlatch: 2-1/4" full lip square corner standard. Other options available.
Bolt	Deadbolt: 1" throw nickel plated steel. Plainlatch: 1/2" throw nickel plated steel.
Handling	Knob Interior Trim: Reversible for right or left-hand doors. Lever Interior Trim: Specify handing.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Rating	A156.5 Grade 2 deadlock
Overall length	Amherst: 18-23/32" Hawthorne: 17-9/16" Shelburne: 18-9/32" Wellington: 18-31/32"
Function Availability	Handleset with Single Cylinder Deadbolt, Models: 878 Amherst 858 Hawthorne 884 Shelburne 841 Wellington Handleset with Double Cylinder Deadbolt; Models: 896 Amherst 857 Hawthorne 883 Shelburne 876 Wellington Interconnected Handleset with Single Cylinder Deadbolt, Models: 879 Amherst 856 Hawthorne 882 Shelburne 842 Wellington Interconnected Dummy Handleset with Deadbolt Trim; Models: 890 Amherst 889 Hawthorne 887 Shelburne 891 Wellington Dummy Handleset with Deadbolt Trim; Models: 877 Amherst 855 Hawthorne 881 Shelburne 840 Wellington